'Sader Stories: Men's Soccer Senior Reflections

The Holy Cross men’s soccer team is set to plays its final home game of the season when it faces Boston University on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. Heading into that contest, we checked in with senior members of this year’s squad to find out a little more about their time on Mount St. James. Here is what they had to say.

What are your best memories of playing soccer at Holy Cross?

Ferraro: Away trips with the boys, tying against Clemson, scoring my first goal against Navy. . . I have so many favorite memories that I’m thankful for, but all of the little interactions with some of my best friends on a day-to-day basis are what I’ll remember the most.

Johnson: My best memory of playing Holy Cross soccer is our road win against Army last season.

Oladapo: Getting a tie at home in front of family and friends on Senior Day, and test days in the weight room.

Martell: My best memory of playing soccer has to be playing Clemson at home. It was a great experience to play in front of a packed crowd and also tie the reigning NCAA champions.

Rosato: My favorite memories playing soccer at Holy Cross are the Northeastern away game last year and the 3-2 comeback win over Army last year. Northeastern was my first game in the Crusader purple and it was a really special moment for me. I knew from that moment, I had joined a family, and I would have brothers for the rest of my life. I also will cherish the Army game, coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. It encapsulated everything that makes Holy Cross soccer special: the grit, the resilience, the passion. 

What kind of mark do you hope to have left on the program after your career is over?

Johnson: I hope I left a standard of always working your hardest, no matter the situation, and always having your teammates’ backs.

Rosato: I want to be remembered as someone who led by example, cared about his teammates and who was willing to do anything for his teammates. I hope I was able to contribute to an environment where everyone felt valued and enjoyed representing our school as much as I did. 

Kelner: Hopefully I inspired others to be confident and express themselves on and off the pitch.

Ferraro: I hope that people have seen me for the positive energy and effort I put into this program.  

Oladapo: Showing that no matter the role you have, you can still make a positive impact on the team. Your work ethic should never waver.

Martell: I hope that I have been a role model to underclassmen and have built long-lasting relationships.

What life lessons have you learned during your time on the team?

Martell: I have learned that being an important team player is more than just putting in a good performance. It is lifting the people around you and being resilient through adversity. I hope I can take this into other areas of my life. 

Kelner: Punctuality and growth from mistakes.

Oladapo: Resiliency to setbacks and challenges, and focusing on the things in your control is the key to personal progress. Don’t let anything break you.

Johnson: I've learned how to battle through adversity, and that it's a lot easier when you've got guys next to you that you trust. Leaning on my teammates through the tough stretches is something I'll take with me for the rest of my life.

Rosato: One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of accountability, not just to yourself but to the people around you. I truly learned what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself through sacrifice and selflessness. I learned what it means to be a good teammate. 

Ferraro: I’ve learned how to stay levelheaded and to be resilient. We’ve had our high and low moments on this team, and throughout my four years I’ve learned that you have to take the good with the bad and just keep moving forward no matter what’s thrown at you.

What is the best thing about playing soccer at Holy Cross?

Rosato: The best thing about Holy Cross is the people. I know that my teammates are there for me always no matter what. I will always cherish being surrounded by people who pushed me to be better every day, both on and off the field. 

Oladapo: The lifelong bonds and brothers I will leave this place with.

Kelner: The skills you learn are very translatable to other areas in your life. 

Martell: I think the best thing about Holy Cross soccer is the bond between teammates. Former teammates always stay in touch and travel to games to show support. 

Ferraro: I have always loved the facilities and the environment. You can’t beat a late-night practice outside in early fall.  

Johnson: The best thing about playing soccer at Holy Cross is the bonds you make. Team meals, bus rides, just being together. . . Those are the moments I'll miss most.

What will you miss the most after your career is over?

Oladapo: Competing and hanging out with my guys every single day.

Rosato: What I'll miss most is just being around the guys every day. The bus trips, meals at Kimball, the jokes, and all the little moments we share together. Those are the things that make being part of a team so special. As much as I'll miss playing soccer, I'll miss the friendships and the time spent with my teammates even more.

Johnson: Game days for sure. The energy in the locker room before kickoff, competing together and celebrating a win with the guys after. Nothing will ever replace that.

Ferraro: I’ll definitely miss all of the camaraderie with the guys. Whether it’s lift, practice or just hanging in the locker room, messing around with the boys will be something I’ll miss for sure.

Kelner: Being able to compete every day.

Martell: Being able to spend time with all the guys. Whether it is a long bus ride or a team dinner, we always had a good time.

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